Discussions, Grades and Participation

Get Common Core Ready: Achieve Dynamic Student-led Discussions

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 8, 2015

Discussion can be a powerful tool for learning yet engaging all students in equitable discussions can be challenging. When I began teaching, I was frustrated because in-class discussions were dominated by a small group of vocal students while the rest of the class sat quietly avoiding eye contact.

Discussions

Discussions Achievement Students Participation

Blend Online and In-class Discussions to Give Every Student a Voice

Catlin Tucker

JANUARY 24, 2017

The value of discussions can hardly be overstated. Despite my passionate belief that discussions are an integral part of the learning process, early in my teaching career I failed at generating successful equitable discussions in class. This asynchronous environment provides something in-class discussion can’t: time.

Discussions

Discussions Beliefs Blended Learning Students

CoderZ Launches New Code Farm Coding and Robotics Course for Grades Four Through Six

eSchool News

DECEMBER 5, 2022

CoderZ, an award-winning, cloud-based robotics and STEM platform, is helping educators introduce computer science in elementary and early middle school with its new Code Farm coding and robotics course for grades four through six. For more information on Code Farm, visit [link]. About CoderZ.

Grades

Grades STEM Ethics Middle School

Shift to Self-assessment

Catlin Tucker

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Who decided that grading and assessment should be the exclusive responsibility of teachers? Self-assessment shifts the focus from a grade-centric perspective to a learning-centric one. It promotes ownership of learning, motivating students to be more engaged, active participants in their education.

Evaluation

Evaluation Assignments Failure Discussions

Hour of Code? Here’s why to participate

Ask a Tech Teacher

DECEMBER 3, 2021

Anytime I can show students how to complete math skills without doing math, it’s a plus (because they don’t expect a discussion on problem-solving or Minecraft to help with math). Here’s why you should participate. Long list of websites by grade. 15 Unusual Projects.

Participation

Participation Math Science Curriculum

3 Ways to Use Video Conferencing with Students Learning Remotely

Catlin Tucker

MARCH 23, 2020

It is essential to build in time for them to discuss information and ask questions. lectures or mini-lessons), I would suggest recording a video and allowing students to self-pace through that video. #2 Facilitate a Small Group Discussion. TeachingVideoConf. 3 Conferencing with Students. one week at a time).

Learning

Learning Students Discussions Textbooks

My Journey in Alternative Grading: From Curiosity to Clarity

Faculty Focus

JUNE 1, 2025

I failed to appreciate the value of clear expectations and the inescapable necessity that my students needed to walk out of my class with a grade. For the next four years, I used Kevin Gannons grading contract to implement more structure and Barbara Schapiros third space to reflect on what worked for me and my students.

Grades

Grades Evaluation Assignments Instructors

12 Projects to Teach Digital Citizenship–by Grade

Ask a Tech Teacher

OCTOBER 16, 2024

Discuss what this looks like. 1st Grade A critical skill for first graders is to not only understand the idea of a “digital citizen” but why it’s important to be one. Have a discussion with students about passwords — they probably use them to log onto their computers and some websites or apps.

Grades

Grades Teaching Internet Discussions

Wisconsin’s Stevens Point Area Public School District Renews Partnership Supporting Science Education In Grades K-5

eSchool News

MARCH 8, 2023

CHARLOTTE, NC — Wisconsin’s Stevens Point Area Public School District today announced it has renewed its multiyear partnership with Discovery Education supporting science education in grades K-5. Then, students participate in easy to prepare hands-on labs that use simple science supplies commonly found in classrooms or at home.

Science

Science Grades Education Schools

8 Ideas Designed to Engage Students In Active Learning Online

Catlin Tucker

JULY 9, 2020

I cannot say I am surprised given the lack of clarity about expectations for participation online, the “no harm” grading policies adopted by many districts during school closures, and issues around equity and access. The students in group A will unmute and engage in a discussion or talk through the problem.

Active Learning

Active Learning Activities Learning Students

Diversity in College Classrooms Improves Grades for All Students, Study Finds

Edsurge

DECEMBER 22, 2023

New research suggests one way to consider the question: by looking at how the mix of students in a given course affects their grades. Researchers were able to look through grades for every course taken by students of different personal backgrounds. So why did diversity affect student grades?

Study

Study Grades STEM Fairness

New Slate of Inspiring and Engaging Standards-Aligned Content Added to Discovery Education Experience for Back-to-School 2025

eSchool News

APRIL 23, 2025

Highlights include new Math Talks for grades 3-5, which feature activities focused on making sense of mathematics through open-ended prompts and rich student discussions, Daily Fix-Its and Weekly Edits, which are teacher-led presentations targeting common student grammar errors, and more. The new civics-focused series, Need toKnow Jr.,

Laboratory

Laboratory Social Studies Education Middle School

Creating Inclusive Classrooms with Co-Teaching and the Station Rotation

Catlin Tucker

AUGUST 23, 2024

Example: Two Teacher-Led Stations – One Differentiated, One Guided Reading and Discussion Reading Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2 Teacher 1 provides targeted instruction based on each group’s needs: Group 1 (Below Grade Level): Students work on identifying key details in a simplified fable with additional visual supports.

Teaching

Teaching Writing Essay Discussions

Coaching is Critical to the Success of a Shift to Blended learning

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

Often these all-staff training sessions present strategies and models generally, but they do not support individual teachers in adapting these strategies and models for their specific grade level, subject area, or student population. It includes two 90-minute synchronous sessions in Weeks 3 and 6.

Blended Learning

Blended Learning Coaching Learning Feedback

New Tools for Primary School Writing

eSchool News

AUGUST 2, 2024

The company announced last week that it is offering elementary educators nationwide the unique opportunity to participate in the development of its latest product, Mystery Writing by Discovery Education , through a free, year-long trial. Mystery Writing engages students in grades K-5 with “wow!”

Writing

Writing Feedback Schools Science

UDL and Blended Learning: Removing Barriers with Design

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 21, 2021

Do you consistently anchor your design in grade level standards and articulate clear learning objectives? lecture, discussion, written responses), there are myriad barriers that may make it hard for students to access information and share their learning effectively. Create Flexible Pathways. Do they get to make meaningful choices?

Blended Learning

Blended Learning Learning Lecturing Motivation

Emergent Bilingual Students Find Their Voice With Real-Time Translation

Edsurge

JUNE 4, 2025

As classrooms across the country become more linguistically diverse, educators face a growing challenge: ensuring that every student, regardless of English proficiency, can access learning, participate fully and feel included. Today, emergent bilingual (EB) students, also known as English learners, account for 10.6 percent of U.S.

English

English Languages Language Assignments

Eduprotocols Field Guide: Elementary Edition

Catlin Tucker

MAY 4, 2024

Jenn is a first-grade teacher at Desert Sands Unified School District. The goal is to streamline the teaching process while maximizing student participation, understanding, and skill development. In our conversation, Jenn and Ben discuss some of their favorite Eduprotocols for little learners. She has her M.A.

Writing

Writing Feedback Learning Spaces Activities

46 edtech innovations at ISTELive 22

eSchool News

JULY 5, 2022

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge asks students in grades 5-8 to identify an everyday problem in their classroom, community, or the world and submit a one- to two-minute video communicating the science behind their solution. AVer Information Inc.,

STEM

STEM Distance Learning Science Participation

Is Your Classroom a Psychologically Safe Space?

Catlin Tucker

NOVEMBER 5, 2021

Instead of collecting homework or practice activities and grading that work for accuracy, teachers can encourage pairs or small groups of students to spend time assessing their work using an answer key or exemplar and rubric.

Blended Learning

Blended Learning Feedback Achievement Coaching

Would You Rather: Transfer and Apply

Catlin Tucker

JUNE 16, 2024

Input Relevant Information: Provide the AI chatbot with relevant details such as the subject area, grade level, and any specific requirements or preferences you have for the task. Can you suggest engaging activities for my grade class focusing on ? Please provide some project-based learning ideas for grade students to explore.

History

History Art Essay Physical Education

Student-centered learning lessons from the Future Ready Library Summit

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

As students across the country began heading back to classrooms, a couple hundred library leaders participated in one of this summer’s Future Ready Library Summits. Freshmen may be entering high school after spending eighth grade being home schooled by a parent. They understand the norms associated with virtual group discussion.

Learning

Learning Students Participation Discussions

Use these 5 strategies to boost student engagement

eSchool News

DECEMBER 20, 2022

forming teacher-student relationships was highlighted as the top instructional practice for driving engagement across all grade levels and subjects. Provide personal questionnaires, pay attention to the extracurriculars students participate in and their behavior with other students. 1: Teacher-student relationships.

Student Engagement

Student Engagement Hybrid Learning Students Participation

6 tips to begin an elementary esports program in your school

eSchool News

JULY 4, 2022

A significant body of research has found that students who participate in scholastic esports programs benefit from increased emotional regulation, academic achievement, and graduation rates. These benefits only scratch the surface of the positive consequences for students participating in scholastic esports.

STEM

STEM Schools Hybrid Learning Game-Based Learning

I’m a Gen Z teacher–schools rely too much on Chromebooks

eSchool News

OCTOBER 21, 2024

It was the beginning of sixth grade, braces, and the descent into the digital world. In his widely discussed 2024 book “The Anxious Generation,” social psychologist Jonathan Haidt details how the cultural shift from a “play-based childhood” to a “phone-based childhood” corresponds to the spike in adolescent mental illness.

Teachers

Teachers Schools History Reading

78 Scholarly & Creative 7th Grade Writing Prompts

Teachers Pay Teachers

JUNE 11, 2025

With these engaging 7th grade writing prompts, students will dive into a world of self-expression. Challenge your advanced writers with writing prompts for middle school that go beyond 7th grade expectations. Informational Writing Choice Board (Distance Learning) By Swain in the Middle Grades: 5th-8th Standards: CCSS W5.2,

Writing

Writing Grades Essay Middle School

Museum of Science, Boston enters metaverse with “Mission: Mars” Roblox experience

eSchool News

JANUARY 31, 2023

Developed in partnership with Filament Games, “Mission: Mars” challenges participants to engage in the Engineering Design Process, developing and iterating on vehicles ready to navigate the mysterious red planet and complete exploratory missions with friends to survive on Mars.

Science

Science STEM Participation Math

Beyond translations: Effective scaffolds to support ELLs

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

In a recent faculty meeting at our school led by Director Adrienne Viscardi, we discussed the importance of using morphology and concept circles to deepen students’ understanding of academic language. Collaborative learning : Pairing students with supportive peers can encourage discussion and understanding of complex ideas.

English

English Languages Language Social Studies

Conversation and Coursework: Strategies to Engage Undergraduate Students with Course Content

Faculty Focus

MAY 20, 2025

Without adequate reading, students will be reluctant, or unable, to participate in class discussions and conversations for lack of understanding and fear of not measuring-up to peers (Severe, E., Preparing to join classroom discussions requires intentional preparation. Stalnaker, J., Hubbard, A., H., & Bailey, E.

Instructors

Instructors Assignments Participation Students

Learning enters the metaverse with “Mission: Mars” Roblox experience

eSchool News

DECEMBER 27, 2023

Developed in partnership with Filament Games, “Mission: Mars” challenges participants to engage in the Engineering Design Process, developing and iterating on vehicles ready to navigate the mysterious red planet and complete exploratory missions with friends to survive on Mars.

Learning

Learning STEM Science Interactive Learning

I’m a first-year teacher. How can I find success in the classroom?

eSchool News

DECEMBER 19, 2023

This is my first year as a teacher and I’m teaching sixth grade, so both my students and I are new to the school. I teach 12th grade now, but when I was a middle school teacher, I was constantly thinking of ways to reach students. Consider equitable systems for calling on students to participate in discussions.

Teachers

Teachers Middle School Middle School Failure

5 vocabulary strategies powered by technology

eSchool News

APRIL 16, 2025

By the time students enter ninth grade, they are expected to know and understand approximately 88,500 word families (Fisher & Frey, 2014). This highlights the challenge of ensuring that students develop a robust vocabulary by the time they reach ninth grade. I once witnessed a class participating in this activity.

Technology

Technology Middle School Middle School Assignments

Teacher Engagement Part II: Emotional Engagement

Catlin Tucker

JANUARY 17, 2022

Yet, teachers may not actively participate in these community-building activities, which results in members of the class getting to know each other but not necessarily getting to know the teacher. Because relationships are reciprocal, it’s essential that the students feel connected to the teacher in a classroom.

Teachers

Teachers Blended Learning Classroom Management Discussions

5 ways to integrate gamification into your classroom

eSchool News

JANUARY 10, 2025

As a fourth-grade teacher, Ive seen how gamification can transform a regular lesson into something my students look forward to. “Empirical research has shown that students in gamified classrooms tend to participate more actively in lessons, leading to improved academic performance and retention of knowledge” (Dehghanzadeh et al.,

Gamification

Gamification Multiple Choice Questions Motivation Social Studies

4 educator reflections on the 2023-2024 school year

eSchool News

MAY 15, 2024

I am definitely one of those teachers who loves classroom discussion, so I didn’t have to change much to bring more of it into the classroom, but since I began using Kognity’s phenomena-based curricula, I’ve been able to adapt instruction to share more real-life examples and experiences. She can be reached at fancynancyin5th@gmail.com.

Education

Education Schools Math Science

Ensuring Equity for English Learners (ELs)

Catlin Tucker

MAY 30, 2023

This ensures they are exposed to grade-level academic content while developing their English language skills. Teachers can incorporate collaborative activities, discussions, and cooperative learning strategies, like reciprocal teaching , that promote speaking and listening skills.

English

English Blended Learning Languages Language

A new teacher’s perspective: Today’s best edtech resources

eSchool News

JUNE 14, 2024

ChatGPT In 2024, my district was fortunate to participate in a fabulous professional development opportunity lead by Jason Neiffer of the Montana Digital Academy ( MTDA ). This professional learning covered one of the most-discussed new technologies of the day: artificial intelligence. Esports is one such extracurricular activity.

STEM

STEM History Middle School Middle School

How I gave my students voice and increased collaboration

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

Part of my job is going into a wide variety of classrooms between multiple different schools and grade levels. Students should have the freedom to discuss ideas and learn from one another and their collective mistakes. Fostering voice between students. They should be given the time to do this on a daily basis.

Coaching

Coaching Students Middle School Middle School

San Jose Students In Ignite Reading’s Tutoring Program Nearly Triple Reading Growth In Two Months

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

The demonstration was followed by a Q&A session and panel discussion. Ignite Reading is currently serving 100 students in grades 3 through 5 at Alpha: José Hernández School. About Ignite Reading Ignite Reading’s mission is to ensure that every student is a confident, independent reader by the end of first grade.

Reading

Reading Achievement Students Science

Hundreds of STEM Grants Have Been Terminated. K-12 Math Educators Will Lose Out

Edsurge

MAY 5, 2025

Its a middle-grade math game in which aliens come to Earth to learn about decimal fractions. The engines are for people from working and middle class backgrounds to participate in and benefit from all that science has to offer. One such game is called Decimal Point.

STEM

STEM Math Education Peer Review

I’m a first-year teacher. How do I become successful in the classroom?

eSchool News

JANUARY 3, 2023

This is my first year as a teacher and I’m teaching sixth grade, so both my students and I are new to the school. I teach 12th grade now, but when I was a middle school teacher, I was constantly thinking of ways to reach students. Consider equitable systems for calling on students to participate in discussions.

Teachers

Teachers Middle School Middle School Failure

7 ways AI will make a positive impact on classroom teaching

eSchool News

AUGUST 14, 2024

Worries about using AI for academic help and answering questions led to many discussions on its role in the classroom. By analyzing patterns in students’ grades, attendance, participation, and other behavioral indicators, AI algorithms can predict potential academic risks and learning disabilities.

Teaching

Teaching Gamification Feedback Intelligence

Lifelong learning: Developing skills across all ages

eSchool News

JULY 30, 2024

All the great teachers I had growing up found ways to involve the topic they were discussing, even tangentially, into current events. This may seem far off from a 5th-grade classroom, but people who start early continue these habits throughout their lives. Math teachers showed how parabolas were effectively used for space exploration.

Skills

Skills Gamification Learning Intelligence

Steps Toward Creating a More Accessible and Inclusive College Classroom

Faculty Focus

MAY 18, 2025

Create community guidelines for discussions that include intention and impact/anti-bias language. Immediately address ableist /biased remarks in the classroom through discussion. Examine course syllabi to make sure policies (late work, absence, participation grades, etc.)

Accessibility

Accessibility Disabilities Learning Disabilities Special Education

Get Common Core Ready: Achieve Dynamic Student-led Discussions

Blend Online and In-class Discussions to Give Every Student a Voice

Trending Sources

CoderZ Launches New Code Farm Coding and Robotics Course for Grades Four Through Six

Shift to Self-assessment

Hour of Code? Here’s why to participate

3 Ways to Use Video Conferencing with Students Learning Remotely

My Journey in Alternative Grading: From Curiosity to Clarity

12 Projects to Teach Digital Citizenship–by Grade

Wisconsin’s Stevens Point Area Public School District Renews Partnership Supporting Science Education In Grades K-5

8 Ideas Designed to Engage Students In Active Learning Online

Diversity in College Classrooms Improves Grades for All Students, Study Finds

New Slate of Inspiring and Engaging Standards-Aligned Content Added to Discovery Education Experience for Back-to-School 2025

Creating Inclusive Classrooms with Co-Teaching and the Station Rotation

Coaching is Critical to the Success of a Shift to Blended learning

New Tools for Primary School Writing

UDL and Blended Learning: Removing Barriers with Design

Emergent Bilingual Students Find Their Voice With Real-Time Translation

Eduprotocols Field Guide: Elementary Edition

46 edtech innovations at ISTELive 22

Is Your Classroom a Psychologically Safe Space?

Would You Rather: Transfer and Apply

Student-centered learning lessons from the Future Ready Library Summit

Use these 5 strategies to boost student engagement

6 tips to begin an elementary esports program in your school

I’m a Gen Z teacher–schools rely too much on Chromebooks

78 Scholarly & Creative 7th Grade Writing Prompts

Museum of Science, Boston enters metaverse with “Mission: Mars” Roblox experience

Beyond translations: Effective scaffolds to support ELLs

Conversation and Coursework: Strategies to Engage Undergraduate Students with Course Content

Learning enters the metaverse with “Mission: Mars” Roblox experience

I’m a first-year teacher. How can I find success in the classroom?

5 vocabulary strategies powered by technology

Teacher Engagement Part II: Emotional Engagement

5 ways to integrate gamification into your classroom

4 educator reflections on the 2023-2024 school year

Ensuring Equity for English Learners (ELs)

A new teacher’s perspective: Today’s best edtech resources

How I gave my students voice and increased collaboration

San Jose Students In Ignite Reading’s Tutoring Program Nearly Triple Reading Growth In Two Months

Hundreds of STEM Grants Have Been Terminated. K-12 Math Educators Will Lose Out

I’m a first-year teacher. How do I become successful in the classroom?

7 ways AI will make a positive impact on classroom teaching

Lifelong learning: Developing skills across all ages

Steps Toward Creating a More Accessible and Inclusive College Classroom

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